24 Quotes by David Maister

Focus on being the best you can at what you want to do.

You cannot and should not try to please everyone. Make sure that the right people like you, and it will be expected that others will not. That’s how the world works.

I will not accept your guidance and critique unless you are supportive and nurturing. On the other hand, you need to be continually demanding.

Professionals have to decide on which subjects they are prepared to give nagging rights.

The courage to care about your people, your clients, and your career.

Whether or not your values are operational is crucially determined by whether or not there are consequences for noncompliance.

No one can manage you if you don’t give them permission to do so. But if you are interested in accomplishing as much as you are capable of, then I believe there are good reasons to grant that permission.

Before a leader can be accepted, let alone succeed, autonomous professionals must agree to be influenced by that person.

Success comes from doing what you enjoy. If you don’t enjoy it, how can it be called success?